Preoperative Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic (PAAC)
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About Our Service
The Preoperative Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic plays an important role in preparing you safely for your surgery or procedure.
During your assessment, we will review your general health and medical history. You may also need some tests or investigations. The aim is to identify and manage any health issues that could increase your risk before surgery, and to make sure you are as well prepared as possible.
The clinic involves a multidisciplinary team, including administrative staff, nurses and anaesthetists.
Your obstetric or gynaecology team will refer you to the PAAC.
Types of preoperative anaesthetic assessment
Your assessment may be either:
Face-to-face in the clinic
By telephone
This decision is based on your medical, surgical and anaesthetic history, as well as the planned procedure.
How will I be notified about my appointment?
If you are referred for a telephone assessment, you will receive a notification on the HSE app.
If you are referred for a face-to-face assessment, you will receive an appointment letter. If you are scheduled for a gynaecological procedure, a health questionnaire will also be sent to you to complete. You will also be notified through the HSE app.
Please have the following ready for your appointment:
A list of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Details of any specialists you attend, including their names, where you saw them, and when you are due to see them again.
Copies of any medical reports or investigations from other hospitals or clinics, if available.
A list of all your current medications.
You do not need to fast for your pre-assessment appointment.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
What happens during the appointment?
Comprehensive health assessment
We will review your medical, surgical, anaesthetic and social history to help assess your fitness for anaesthesia and surgery.
Examinations and diagnostic testing
We will perform any necessary examinations as part of your assessment. For example, we may assess your airway by asking you to open your mouth and move your neck. This helps the anaesthetist plan your care safely. You may need some tests, depending on your health and planned procedure. These may include blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, weight, ECG, blood tests or X-rays.
Infection screening
In some cases, swabs may be taken to screen for infections such as MRSA or VRE. This is done on a case-by-case basis.
Multidisciplinary assessment
Sometimes, a health issue may be identified during your assessment, such as high blood pressure that is not well controlled. If this happens, you may need further tests or referral to another specialist.
Your surgery date may not be confirmed until all necessary investigations are complete.
Some patients may need to return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment.
Patient education
We will provide information and advice about your surgery, anaesthesia, fasting instructions, medication management and care after your operation.
You will also be given advice on how to improve your health before surgery, such as managing diabetes, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and looking after your mental well-being.
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
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Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
Switchboard:
Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X